SEA BIRDS' HAUNTS 



65 



If a homing bird alights too near its neighbour's nest, 

 it may be greeted by a peck, though serious dis- 

 turbances are rare. But there are enemies within 

 the gates, Pacific Gulls [Gabianus pacificus] and Silver 

 Gulls [Larus novse-hollandite], which nest among the 

 tussocky grass around the rookery, and prey upon the 



GANNET ON NEST. 



eggs of their big neighbours. If a Gannet leaves its 

 nest unprotected for a few minutes a Gull is sure to 

 seize the opportunity and the egg. The Gannets, 

 however, are wary, and such chances rarely occur. 

 Gulls do not disdain to feed upon the "crumbs" left 

 over from Gannet meals; they patrol the rookery and 

 pick up bits of fish. These scavenger birds are beau- 

 tiful, and it seems a pity that their habits should be 

 so depraved. The Pacific Gull, much the larger of 

 the two species, possesses a raucous voice, while the 

 Silver Gull's notes are rather pleasing, at least to 



